as in contentious
relating to or causing the expression of opposing opinions
the new plan raises a number of hot-button issues that are sure to get voters riled up
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in third rail
Related Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of hot-button
Warren P. Strobel, Washington Post, 21 Feb. 2026
Egg prices became somewhat of a hot-button issue in 2025.
—Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2026
Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2026
The use of generative AI has been a hot button issue in art and entertainment, and game development has been no exception.
—Frank Landymore, Futurism, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hot-button
Adjective
Unusual step includes reports on hot-button issues such as white nationalism, LGBTQ activism and family planning.
—Warren P. Strobel, Washington Post, 21 Feb. 2026
Egg prices became somewhat of a hot-button issue in 2025.
—Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2026
Noun
Natural gas bans have become a political hot button in California, with cities such as Berkeley moving to phase out the fossil fuel in favor of electrification.
—Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2026
The use of generative AI has been a hot button issue in art and entertainment, and game development has been no exception.
—Frank Landymore, Futurism, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hot-button
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hot-button
Adjective
-
The dispute was resolved in June 2022 through a confidential settlement, bringing to a close one of the more public—and contentious—chapters of Luck’s executive career.—
Daniel Libit,
Sportico.com,
5 Mar. 2026
-
As the war with Iran continues for a sixth day, evacuating Americans from the Middle East remains a contentious issue.—
Carolyn Gusoff,
CBS News,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Dog Day Afternoon is the third rail of male love and loneliness—a primal scream from the sweltering streets of a stone broke New York City.—
Jenny Lumet,
Vanity Fair,
10 Feb. 2026
-
The dog was discovered on the tracks next to the third rail and was pronounced dead at the scene, NYPD told the outlets.—
Kimberlee Speakman,
PEOPLE,
3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Front and rear wings are simplified, and the sport’s controversial Drag Reduction System (DRS)—long considered to create artificial overtaking—has been abolished.—
Brad Spurgeon,
Robb Report,
9 Mar. 2026
-
When asked about Trump’s immigration policies — which have been controversial and are viewed by some Venezuelan residents as harmful to their community — Rodriguez first expressed support.—
Verónica Egui Brito,
Miami Herald,
9 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hot-button.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hot-button. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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